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Article published December 10, 2012

VOICe services lauded

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Heidi L. Fetterman Butler

As a current client of the Victim Outreach Intervention Center (VOICe), I not only feel compelled to write a letter defending the organization, but to also relinquish my anonymity. This program’s reputation means that much to me.For the Butler Eagle to use so much space for an article that only is substantiated by a disgruntled employee and a client who obviously wasn’t willing to do the work is unexplainable to me.Having been a client of VOICe for approximately a year, I have received nothing but opportunities and, most importantly, respect.I only can speak for myself, but upon arriving on the doorstep of VOICe, I was a physical, emotional and spiritual mess. I had no self-respect, self-esteem, much less self-worth.Not only has VOICe provided me with a multitude of opportunities such as housing, education and coping mechanisms, it has taught me that on the road to self-sufficiency I will be able to get back my sense of self.Being a member of VOICe doesn’t mean you have won the proverbial lottery, whether you are an employee or client. Your heart is on the line.And, guess what? My heart does count and so do I.That’s what VOICe has taught me, and I cringe to think of victims of abuse having read the article, then giving it credence.I am eternally grateful for the services offered by VOICe and the employees there who care.